Calla lilies are a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Araceae. They are native to southern Africa but have become popular ornamental plants worldwide due to their striking beauty and ease of cultivation.
Calla lilies are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, orange, and purple. The leaves of the plant are also visually appealing, with their glossy green texture and unique shape.
They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and with proper care, they can bloom all year round. They are a popular choice for weddings, floral arrangements, and as gifts for special occasions.
In this article, we will discuss how to care for calla lilies when grown indoors. We will also discuss several topics such as the benefits of cultivating calla lilies indoors, creating a beautiful indoor garden with calla lilies, and proper storage of calla lilies during dormancy.
So let’s get started with the benefits of growing calla lilies indoors.
1. The benefits of growing calla lilies indoors
Growing calla lilies indoors can provide numerous benefits for indoor gardeners. First and foremost, calla lilies are highly decorative and can add a touch of elegance and charm to any indoor space.
They come in various colors, making them versatile and easy to match with any home decor. Additionally, calla lilies are relatively easy to care for and do not require a lot of maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy individuals or those new to gardening.
Growing calla lilies indoors can also help purify the air in your home, as they absorb harmful toxins and release clean oxygen. Furthermore, growing calla lilies indoors can be a great way to enjoy these beautiful plants year-round, regardless of the weather or growing conditions outside.
2. How to create a beautiful indoor garden with calla lilies
In this paragraph, we will be discussing how to care for calla lilies when they are grown indoors.
2.1 Choose the right container
Choosing the right container for your calla lilies is an important step in creating a beautiful indoor garden. Calla lilies require a container that has good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
A container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom is ideal, as this allows excess water to escape easily.
Additionally, calla lilies need well-draining soil, so make sure to choose a container that has enough space for the roots to grow and expand. A container that is too small can restrict root growth and cause stunted growth and unhealthy plants.
Aim for a container that is large enough to accommodate the size of your plant, with at least two inches of space between the soil and the rim of the container. This will allow your calla lilies to thrive and grow to their full potential.
2.2 Select the appropriate soil
Calla lilies require well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A soil mix that is too heavy or compacted can cause water to accumulate and create soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
To create the ideal soil mix for your calla lilies, you can mix equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite. The potting soil provides the necessary nutrients and organic matter for your plant, while perlite and vermiculite help with drainage and aeration.
Perlite and vermiculite are lightweight, porous materials that allow water to drain freely while also retaining some moisture to keep the soil moist. This soil mix provides optimal drainage and moisture retention for your calla lilies, which can help promote healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
2.3 Plant your calla lilies
Once you have chosen the right container and soil mix for your calla lilies, it’s time to plant them. First, fill your container with the potting mix, leaving a small well or indentation in the center of the soil.
This will create a space for your calla lily bulb to be placed. Next, place your calla lily bulb into the well, making sure that the roots are covered with soil. Be careful not to bury the bulb too deep, as this can lead to rotting.
After planting, water your calla lily thoroughly, allowing the water to soak into the soil and reach the roots. It’s important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, to ensure that your plant has adequate hydration.
Finally, place your container in a bright, indirect light. Calla lilies prefer bright, indirect light, which means they should not be placed in direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill that receives indirect sunlight or a well-lit room can be a good location for your calla lilies to thrive.
2.4 Provide optimal growing conditions
To ensure that your calla lilies thrive, it’s important to provide them with optimal growing conditions. Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C), which is a comfortable range for most indoor environments.
Keeping your calla lilies away from drafts and extreme temperatures, such as heating and cooling vents, can help prevent stress and damage to the plant. These lilies require bright, indirect light to grow and produce their beautiful blooms.
Placing your container in a location with plenty of natural light, but not direct sunlight, is ideal. A sunny windowsill that receives indirect sunlight or a well-lit room can be a great spot for your calla lilies to thrive.
However, be careful not to expose your plant to too much direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and flowers.
2.5 Water your calla lilies properly
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent issues such as root rot. To determine when it’s time to water your calla lilies, simply touch the top inch of soil with your finger.
If the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. When watering, add enough water to thoroughly saturate the soil and reach the roots of the plant. Allow any excess water to drain away, as standing water can cause root rot. Avoid overwatering, as this can be just as damaging to your plant as underwatering.
It’s better to err on the side of underwatering, as calla lilies are more tolerant of drought than they are of excess moisture. By providing your calla lilies with the right amount of water, you can help ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
2.6 Fertilize your calla lilies
Fertilizing your calla lilies can help provide them with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and produce beautiful blooms. It’s recommended to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season, which typically lasts from spring to fall. This will help ensure that your calla lilies have a steady supply of nutrients to support their growth and blooming.
When selecting a fertilizer, look for one that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as these are the primary nutrients that plants need to thrive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying the fertilizer, as over-fertilizing can be harmful to your plant.
2.7 Decorate your indoor garden
Being a beautiful and visually appealing plant on their own, calla lilies can also be used to create a stunning indoor garden when combined with other plants. To decorate your indoor garden, consider mixing and matching different colors and varieties of calla lilies, as well as incorporating other plants that complement their appearance.
For example, you could pair your calla lilies with ferns or other foliage plants that have
contrasting textures and colors. Another option is to use your calla lilies as a centerpiece on a table or as a focal point in a room.
With their elegant appearance and versatility, calla lilies can help you create a stunning indoor garden that will add beauty and interest to your home.
3. How to store calla lilies during dormancy
After your calla lilies have finished blooming, they will enter a period of dormancy. During this time, it’s important to properly store your plant to ensure that it remains healthy and can bloom again in the future.
Once your calla lily has finished blooming, cutting back the foliage to 2-3 inches above the soil line is essential for its conservation during dormancy. By doing this, you will be helping your plant preserve energy for the next growing season.
it’s necessary to stop watering the plant and allow the soil to dry out entirely before storing it. To dig up the bulbs, you should use a fork or trowel, and you must be very careful not to damage them.
After removing them from the soil, you should clean and inspect each bulb for signs of disease or damage. Removing any bulbs that appear unhealthy is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases or pests to your other plants.
When storing the bulbs, it’s best to place them in a paper bag or cardboard box and keep them in a cool, dry location that is free from moisture and extreme temperatures.
This temperature range of 45-55°F (7-13°C) is optimal for storing bulbs, and it’s essential to ensure they are not exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures as it can cause rotting or freezing. Storing your calla lily bulbs correctly will help them to remain healthy and ready to plant again in the next growing season.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have covered everything you need to know about caring for calla lilies indoors, including their benefits and how to store them during dormancy.
We hope this information has been helpful to you. Thank you for reading.
